The World Proselytizes the Church.

Biodegradable: On October 1 Pope Francis visited Bologna. For the event, the basilica of San Petronio, the sixth biggest basilica in Europe, was turned into a dining hall. Other parts of the church seem to have been used as parking for bicycles. The organizers pointed out that the tablecloths were biodegradable. The Vaticanista Marco Tosatti interpreted pictures of the event as a forecast for the future, when the Salafists will take over the place. San Petronio still contains a gothic fresco depicting Mohammed being tortured in Hell.

No Arguments: Father Ray Blake writes on his blog that he was asked to sign the Filial Correction. He confesses, “I admit it, I am afraid to sign and I know other priests who share my fear.” According to Blake, “Rome and those surrounding the Pontiff have certainly become more vicious in defending him, never ever engaging in intellectual arguments, merely attacking like ravenous wolves.”

The World Proselytizes the Church: The American Homosex Jesuit James Martin does not like disagreement, writes Shaun Kenney in The Wanderer. Quote, “The moment one offers criticism, no matter how constructive and genuine one may believe it to be, the instant retribution of being removed from the conversation is an instant response.” According to Kenny it is Martin’s conviction that “It is the Catholic Church that must accept the individual on their terms, rather than the individual accepting Christ on the terms of sacraments.”

Only in Syria: Christian Becomes President of the Parliament: Hammoudé Sabbagh, 58, a Syrian Orthodox Christian, has been elected the new president of the Syrian parliament on Thursday. He received 193 out of 252 votes. This is the third time that a Christians has held this position since the independence of the country. The Syrian Christians back the secular government of Bashar al-Assad against Western and Israel backed jihadists.